LEARNING STARTS HERE
External Focus of Attention part 03: Evidence to Support Your Focus
This is the 3rd blog in a series on our discussion of external focus of attention, a motor learning theory we consider foundational to Athlete Centered Skating. In the previous blog we wrote that a simple change of focus from internal (e.g. thinking of the movement of...
External Focus of Attention part 02: Reverse the Curse of Expertise
This blog continues our discussion of external focus of attention, a motor learning theory we consider foundational to Athlete Centered Skating. In the first blog, we explained some differences between the way beginners and experts perform their skills. Beginners...
External Focus of Attention part 01: Let’s Take This One Step at a Time
External focus of attention is a motor learning theory we consider foundational to Athlete Centered Skating. This blog series discusses what external focus of attention is, why it works, and how to apply it in training. The blogs include: Part 01: Let’s Take This...
The Imagery of Success part 03: Motor Imagery in Practice
In the Imagery of Success parts 01 and 02 we discussed the basics of motor imagery – what it is, and the different types. Please review those blogs before diving in to part 03 below. Think of an Onion Researchers suggest several methods to ensure athletes both...
The Imagery of Success part 02: Types of Motor Imagery
In part 01 of this series we explained that motor imagery leverages sensory predictions that take place prior to actual movements. In part 02, we explain several types of motor imagery athletes can learn to improve performance. Two different types of imagery pertain...
The Imagery of Success part 01: Motor Imagery Basics
A recent study on the physical and psychological practice and competition strategies of U.S. athletes showed that mental imagery use is one of the three “strongest predictors of successful Olympic performance” (the other two are emotional control and self-talk)...
National Qualifying Series: A must read for our competitive skaters
Us Figure Skating has revamped its qualifying structure for the 2019/2020 season. In the past skaters had to place top 4 in their respective regional championships to earn a spot at Sectional Championships (which ultimately leads to the US Championships). Skaters are...
Moves in the Field: A Substitute for learning the basics?
We have had several interrelated blog topic questions from parents regarding Moves in the Field. This blog addresses several of those questions and continues from previous posts about stages of development and basic skills training. What are Moves in the Field? Moves...
The Golden Era and the Early Deception
Figure skating is an early specialization sport. One reason is that figure skaters must develop extremely complex motor skills on an unfamiliar surface (the ice). The jumps, spins, and even the basic skills require many years of training to master. I will say this...
Stages of Development in Sports part 03: Stages Questioned
This blog continues the discussion of stages of development which was requested to us as a topic by a parent. Please review blog 1 and blog 2 before proceeding. There are criticisms on the notion that all children pass through the same generic set of sequential...